The manufacturing industry is undergoing a dramatic shift centered around new technologies that offer the promise of greater efficiency, speed, and higher quality. A central component of this shift toward Industry 4.0 is the internet of things (IoT), whereby the entire supply chain is becoming more connected due to IoT-enabled devices.

With the current Covid 19 crisis throwing businesses and lives astray everywhere, the volatility that it creates for businesses is no less apparent in manufacturing industries. There is no crystal ball that can predict the next crisis. What we can be sure of, however, is that building resilience into a company’s strategy can help mitigate risk.

The adoption of key technologies is an essential part of a smart manufacturing approach. This includes using the IoT, an ever-growing proliferation of connected “smart” devices, to improve understanding of quality, efficiency, security, and safety. It also includes the strategic use of cloud computing, mobility, and data analytics.

Although there are learning and personnel curves involved in implementing a predictive maintenance plan, the efficiencies of a more targeted, more effective maintenance practice prove themselves worthy of the investment.

By harnessing the power of data, industrial internet of things (IoT), and analytics, manufacturers are achieving new capabilities including predictive maintenance and quality. As a result, smart manufacturing is reimagining the way in which organizations do business, and in particular, improving organizational resilience.

Even when you think you’ve checked all the right boxes regarding safety compliance, there’s one crucial element you may be neglecting: your employees. Ensuring that your employees understand and adhere to work safety requirements is critical to your organization’s ability to safeguard against risk. Here are 4 ways to ensure employees are on board with your safety standards.